5 Things to do in Madrid in Spain

Thinking of a short break to Madrid Spain? Check out my daughter’s top 5 recommendations of things to do in Madrid – the Spanish capital!

Museo del prado

Free entry for students, which was quite common in Madrid, or at least concession price.-Part of the Golden triangle of art museums (El Prado, the Reina Sofia – more modern art including Dali’s and Picasso’s, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museums which apparently fills in the gaps between the other 2)

We got there around 5 o clock ish and the queue was very short.

You get a free booklet which includes a list of ‘masterpieces’ and their room location. This was very useful for an art novice like myself and we made it an activity to find them all. Perhaps the most famous art pieces we saw were ‘The naked and clothes majas’ by Goya, and ‘The meninas’ by Velazquez. I must reiterate my art knowledge is lacking, but I found the descriptions by the artworks very informative.

I would definitely recommend if… You have an interest in European art, or find yourself at unease when the art questions come up during University challenge.

Retiro park

A really lovely park, right next to El Prado.

It was a royal park, with an artificial lake.

We rented a boat for 45 minutes for €6 which I would highly recommend. The lake is right next to a monument for Alfonso XII.

The weather was lovely and we right by some buskers which made for a great atmosphere.

Has the Palacios, a glass building which is now used for temporary exhibitions.

I would definitely recommend if… You want to make the most out of the Spanish weather and enjoy WAB (Walking About a Bit)

Chocolateria San Gines

One of the most famous churro places in Madrid. Open 24/7, 365 days a year.

For €4 you get 6 huge churros and a bowl of melted chocolate.

On Calle Coloreros, a right off Calle Mayor.

Best. Churros. Ever. It is a must. We went twice. Say no more.

I would definitely recommend if… You are a sane human being.

Palacio Real de Madrid

€6 for students (concession).

It was built following a fire that burnt down the Royal Fortress, and hence was made fireproof by Philip V. His son Charles III was the first to live in the Palace in 1764. Main residence of Kings until 1931, Alfonso XIII last to live there.

It’s a one-way system so it is easy to follow and go around the palace using the signs and the booklet for information and guidance.

A lot of the rooms are decorated differently so it is quite interesting.

It is also right next to Catdreal de la Almudena which is a very pretty cathedral.

I would definitely recommend if… You enjoy fancy historical buildings.

Gran Via

In my opinion it is the Madrid equivalent to London’s Oxford Street.

Gran Via aka the Grand Road.

It is really busy and a lively shopping street. Takes around 45 minutes to an hour to walk the whole length of it.

All the buildings along the road are very impressive and you get a real feel for Madrid.

I would definitely recommend if… You love to shop and want to get a city atmosphere

I hope you enjoyed my 5 things to do in Madrid – are there other activities/places to see etc that you would include in the list?

She has lived and worked in 7 countries on 4 continents and travelled to over 50 more. A qualified school teacher with an interest in history, reading, photography, nature and wildlife she is always planning her next trip (preferably by train)

Through down-to-earth stories, tips and advice (based on her own extensive knowledge and experience of life as an expat) she aims to support new and prospective expats to survive and thrive in Australia.

With a lifetime of travel experience, and a network of friends all over the world, she is also able to share genuine insider guides, recommended best book lists and train journey inspiration to help you travel authentically to some of the most beautiful places on earth.

G’DAY!

Spending over 40 years living and working in 7 countries across 4 continents has given me a unique perspective on expat life.

In this blog I share practical tips, advice and experiences of expat life in Australia. I also include supportive, reflective and informative posts addressing the practicalities and ups and downs of moving countries.

For those who seek authentic travel my focus on real experiences of living, working and travelling in many of the most beautiful countries around the globe, detailed world-wide destination guides and comprehensive reading lists will help you achieve your goal.

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